For their father the Earth-shaker himself gave [Machaon and Podalirius] the healing gift; but he made one higher in prestige than the other. To the one he gave defter hands, to remove missiles from flesh and cut and heal all wounds, but in the other's heart he placed exact knowledge, to diagnose what is hidden and to cure what does not get better. He it was who first recognized the raging Ajax's flashing eyes and burdened spirit.

intriguing that podalirius is set up as some kind of proto-psychiatrist, while machaon's surgical skills gives him higher prestige. but then i can see how mid-war the removal of embedded arrows and treating wounds is higher priority than dealing with the mental toll.

This one for two Asclepiades @post-troy-stress-disorder @defenestratedcowloftelesphorus

I don't know which of these two prodigies is more of a fan of the Asclepiads, but what I do know is that they are fascinated by them, so here are two texts:

The first focuses on the healing power of Podalirius, and the second is Podalirius talking about his brother both fragments from Quintus of Smyrna Posthomerica:

Honestly, I cry every time I read this part where Podalirius cries and explains it to Nestor (the father he refers to). I cried while writing this (no kidding). It's super sad (nor I desire to see the light of life😭😭😭😭) and very beautiful, and then Nestor tells him not to cry like a woman.

Nestor, how I love you, you old jerk and misogynist.